Over on the So Much More Hawaii blog I wrote about our family excursion to Kualoa Ranch. There are many outdoor activities and tours offered by the Ranch. We especially enjoyed learning about ancient innovation of the Hawaiian people of the construction of the still existing, Molii Fishpond. Lilinoe even took her turn throwing a fishnet to harvest the fruit of the water. Head on over to see what she caught at Kualoa Ranch.
Disclaimer: The Polynesian Cultural Center comped 4-tickets for my family and I to experience the Haunted Lagoon.
When I was about 8-years old my Father said that he was taking us to a very popular haunted house in Pauoa Valley here on Oahu. It was the Halloween season, so we knew it was produced, however our childlike imaginations could not conjure our experience. We dropped my Mom off at my Nanny’s hula studio for evening classes and parked around the corner near Lusitania Street, Kanealii Avenue, and Pauoa Road. Do you know the area?
Anyways, excited we entered the doorway of the haunted house which during the off season is the garage of a quaint home just past the old feed store, but ironically near a graveyard. Holding hands, the five of us marched into the darkness one-by-one with my Father behind us. Within seconds, we wanted out! The light at the end of the tunnel seemed non-existent, but by the time we emerged into the Honolulu air, tears of fear streamed down our cheeks and we promised my Father that we were going to tell Mom…and Nanny!
In retrospect, this was one of the greatest memories of my childhood. A time when we felt as brave as warriors, and emerged crying children. An experience that had the five of us band together and comfort one another in our fears. But really it was a time where we could all laugh at ourselves.
So, when I received an invitation from the Polynesian Cultural Center to take my family on a canoe ride on their Haunted Lagoon — I immediately accepted. I reflected upon my memories of the haunted house in Pauoa Valley, and well, are these not the type of trouble-making moments parents wait for?
A few days before the spooky canoe ride, we read the story of Nalani more commonly known as the “Lady of La’ie”. She was born on the west side of Oahu who blossomed into a beautiful teenager. Nalani caught the eye of many men, however she fell in love with a visiting sailor. Against her family’s wishes, Nalani and the young sailor secretly married. Eventually though, her family found out and they beat the new groom. The sailor and his wife fled to the mountains above La’ie for refuge, however he was too badly beaten and died.
She planted a coconut tree to mark his grave near the river where she would sit and sob. Months later, a recluse, Nalani gave birth to a son. Her entire existence was for her son, until one day when she awoke he was missing. Nalani spent her days walking on the banks of the river, searching for her son, yearning for her husband. Until one day, she too disappeared.
Legend has it that the young sailor came back for his wife and son. The coconut tree that Nalani planted is on the grounds of what is now the Polynesian Cultural Center and sits between the Tongan and Rapa Nui villages. Its trunk is twisted and mangled, resembling the beaten sailor.
By the time we arrived in La’ie, the sun had set and we followed the path to the docked canoes. The children had expressed their anxiety, but were still wide-eyed and curious. We took the first row of the canoe and was steered into darkness.
I won’t give away too much, but I will share that I was exhausted at the end of the ride. Exhausted from protecting my family from the unexpected, yet perfectly placed scary surprises. But I was mostly exhausted from screaming my head off — I’m still trying to gain my voice back. Yes, I was authentically spooked enough to scream out loud and scoot away from the ghosts and ghouls — the production is that good. Will you scream?
My entire family highly recommends visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Haunted Lagoon which begins this Friday, October 2, 2009 and every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday night from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. till October 31, 2009. PCC posted their prices for adults and children and local businesses are offering coupons.
Follow @polynesia on Twitter for updates, news, and discounts.
Oh, and before we left the lagoon, I turned back and was able to capture this picture of the Lady of La’ie.
[Disclosure: Servco Toyota Hawaii loaned me a 2010 Prius for one-month.]
We’ve had Juicy Toyota for a little over two-weeks, and it will be a sad moment to have to return her to the generous folks at Servco Toyota Hawaii. The other weekend, we took Juicy to the North Shore of Oahu (well, she took us) for a scenic drive and some famous Kahuku shrimp! Enjoy the picture below.
Prius Toyota Tidbit: Driving daily for more than two-weeks covering majority of the towns on Oahu from the North Shore to Waikiki, in traffic, and using the much needed air conditioner; we’ve had to fill up the gas — ONCE!
[Disclosure: Servco Toyota Hawaii loaned me a 2010 Prius for one-month.]
We’re really growing attached to our newest, albeit temporary member of our family — Juicy. Here she is in Salt Lake on Oahu after a victorious day at the soccer field.
Read more about Toyota on Alltop.
A few months ago, Papa and Tutu’s neighbor emailed the registration information for the Aiea AYSO league. Lilinoe knows very little about soccer and I even less, but Jayden and Maiyah seemed to be interested so we completed the necessary paperwork and paid the registration fees.
Although they’re only a year apart, Jayden was drafted in the Under 6 and Maiyah belongs to the Under 8 group– besides, the groups are then further separated by gender since there are a lot of children participating. After a very organized parent orientation meeting; a volunteer process to determine coaches, referees, and team parents; and a mutually agreed upon practice days, times, and field we were on our way!
Four (4) practices prior to the first game, and we were having fun. Jayden had to learn a few soccer rules like no touching the ball with your hands while it’s in play, but also the non-rules like no dancing like Michael Jackson while running drills during practice. And, Maiyah? Well she was so excited for her first practice that she wore her soccer clothes, shin guards, and cleats to bed the night before.
The first game was this past Saturday and I walked away with more than a nice tan, I realized that “two babies” were competitive, aggressive little athletes. The blazing sun was their biggest opponent because their mantra once the game was in play was “attack the ball”!
Every Saturday we’ll be at the park, cheering on the Jedis and the Butterflies — life is good!
The 11th of December 2009 will mark 10 years since I lost a part of my heart, my brother Lui. As I type this, I can hear my Mother’s voice as she delivered the news to me over the phone. As I type this, I recall the words of my dear friend Jan in an email, “Oh Neen, I almost want to ask…are you sure?” As I type this, I can hear his laughter as if he’s only down the hall in his bedroom. As I type this I am reminded, remembering is part of healing.
It is one way that we can express our gratitude for the past while looking towards a brighter future.
I have been invited to the annual Lantern Floating Ceremony at Ala Moana Beach this Memorial Day. Lantern Floating or toro nagashi is a Japanese ceremony in which participants launch paper lanterns taking with them healing prayers. The ceremony will be led by the spiritual head of Shinnyo-en, Her Holiness Keishu Shinso. Although a Buddhist practice, organizers and the Shinnyo-en Buddhist Order welcome all faiths.
I haven’t decided if I will participate in this ceremony, but if your spirit is inclined I encourage you to go. I have accepted that I will never regain what I have lost, but my faith teaches me that it’s only temporary. For now, through my stories, through my memories; remembering is part of healing.
I wish everyone a reflective Memorial Day.
Growing up, every summer I attended summer school. Well, not every year, there was that one year when I forgot to turn in the registration forms. But, let’s not go there. 
I believe that the brain needs to be stimulated, and idle bodies and minds leads to mischief. I believe this because this is how I am, and I’m sure my Mom knew this which is why I was in summer school every year, except of course that one time.
These days, as parents, Lilinoe and I are afforded different programs to consider for our children during summer break. Summer school has become reserved for students that have failed during the regular school year, maybe I’m naive but I don’t recall that footnote on the registration forms in my days, at least not in Elementary and Middle school!
In no particular order, here are the programs our children will be participating in:
Each program lasts through the duration of the summer and is only a few hours throughout the week. We don’t want to burn them out, but keep them busy and give them their individual time (away from us).
I haven’t been back to the Big Island since I moved home to Oahu in 2005, and am hoping that we can travel to the Kohala Coast during the 4th of July weekend for Honu Independence Day.
What are you summer plans?
I clearly remember the day she was born, it was emotionally chaotic, not only because pregnancies are that way, but she was born nearly 3 months too early. Maiyah Ku’umakanamakamae Faleafine was born on April 18, 2003 weighing just a few rice grains over 2 lbs. As she laid in the incubator, draped in tubes assisting her breathing; we had our first talk.
I introduced myself and told her that I loved her. I talked about her parents, Papa and Tutu, and that there were so many people who loved her. I told her about Winnie the Pooh and that he’d be her first roommate, but as she got older she could move him out. I told her again that I love her, and would always be there for her.
Today we celebrated Maiyah’s 6th birthday (even though we said after her 5th birthday party that the celebrations would be a simple cake and ice cream at Papa and Tutu’s home) the same way she came into the world; speedy and surrounded by loved ones. Winnie and Tigger are still dear to her, but they have been replaced by the coy and pretty, Hello Kitty.
While purchasing her gift from the Sanrio store in Pearlridge Center, I noticed a flyer advertising Hello Kitty appearances. Without hesitation, Lilinoe and I booked Ms. H.K. and the surprise was set for Maiyah. During the week leading up to her party, we talked.
I asked her how she would feel if Hello Kitty came to her birthday party, and she replied, “Isn’t she a cartoon?”
I should have known, so I changed the question, “If it were possible, would you like Hello Kitty to come to your birthday party?”
Maiyah replied, “I would be so excited, I would just love it if she could come.”
Her true reaction to the arrival of Hello Kitty is priceless:
My sister planned a family fun filled day at American Box Car Racing in Kunia. For many of us, it was our first experience, and I believe the adults had more fun speeding down the tracks, in the gravity propelled vehicles than our children. I was one of the first to take a spin, and if you know the basic laws of gravity, it’s safe to bet that I would reach the checkered finish line first.
I highly recommend box car racing for your next outdoor activity. The box cars, tracks, and friendly staff are only a few reasons to visit. It’s the lasting memories that make it worth it. As my niece Emma put it, “This was the best party ever!” All of the photos are on Flickr, and Lilinoe is in the center box car for the last race of the day. Does she win?
Bigger than a tweet up, more intimate than a conference; the 2nd Annual Hawaii Geek Meet was a festive success! For the second year in a row, organizer and Hawaii’s most notable geek, Ryan Ozawa brought together geeks of all walks of life. A youth basketball game prevented us from attending last year’s event. And, an impromptu tweet up with Russel and Bully O’Sullivan better known as the Two Beer Queers at our favorite Waimalu liquor store, SWAM may have delayed our my commute to Magic Island at Ala Moana beach park, but gratefully Lilinoe had enough energy for everyone!
Ham radios, erected antennae, live streaming, building solar powered iPhone chargers, and even a mother and child doing homework were some of the obvious geek activities. But, here’s an amusing observation:
Much of my waking hours are spent indoors, plugged in and working – one would never believe that I used to spend nearly all of my time surfing — waves! Engineers couldn’t have coded and built a more beautiful day of rich blue skies, blazing sun, and a refreshing ocean that stretched for miles. I purposely took my chair from underneath our tent and sat where there was no shade. The direct vitamin D on my pale white arms felt like God himself was embacing me, life was good.
Like good geeks, we all took photos, uploaded them to Flickr and tagged them appropriately. See you at next year’s event!
Lilinoe and I encourage both Chelsea and Jayden to participate in school activities, become a part of a club or team, and contribute to their communities. At only 4, Jayden’s options are limited. He participates by cheering for Chelsea and her teammates or by just listening the first time is really all we ask!
From cheerleading to basketball, hula, student council and now canoe paddling — Chelsea is truly an active participant in life. Academically, she’s earned a 3.6 grade point average putting her on the honor roll list. And, physically she believes she’s found her true passion — canoe paddling!
I’ve really enjoyed learning the process of the sport, and the coaches are faced with a difficult task of getting the entire team to move in unison — a group of 7th graders for that matter. But, Coaches Reggie Keaunui, Byron Martinez, and Dennis and Wehi Na’auao are committed to teaching the children. Their commitment paid off this season as their other team, ‘Anuenue Girls Varsity team recently won the OIA Championship for the second year in a row.
There are three more regattas till the end of the Novice A season and Chelsea has shown promise by securing either the first or second positions and paddling in the girls and co-ed divisions. She’s earned an invitation to continue with ‘Ilau Hoe for the summer season. We’re very proud of her and will be shouting from the lagoon shore for her team to “stroke ‘em!”
Every year Lilinoe and I promise each other to have a better year than the last and this will not change as we enter 2009. One of our rules is that “we work on our friendship so that our relationship is solid.” And, in order to achieve this we have to continue to grow as individuals. This simple rule creates harmony in our household, but I admit sometimes we’re off tune and majority of the time it’s because I am beating to my own drum.
Ready or not 2009, here we come!
Jayden, although he’s 4 he has some exciting things coming up in the new year. First, he’s turning 5 which is also his favorite number — we’re going out on a limb and predicting that this will change to 6, but it’s just a wild guess! If Lono and all other dieties allow it to be, he is hoping to continue his education at Kamehameha Schools as a Kindergartner at the Kapalama campus. 5 also means he’s eligible for a “pee wee” in anything — soccer, basketball, flag football or even Power Ranger bootcamp; anything for him to expend his never ending energy!
Jayden also made his debut as a hula dancer at the Sheraton Bowl this past Christmas Eve and as long as he’s interested, he will continue as a member of Kuhai Halau O Kahalepuna Pa Olapa Kahiko with Chelsea.
Chelsea has had a remarkable 2008, and if she continues on her path of growth 2009 looks very promising. She’ll continue her duties as the Vice President of Student Council at Kula Kaiapuni O Anuenue and is working hard at finishing the school year making the honor roll again for the second semester. January is the beginning of her first ever season as a canoe paddler for ‘Ilau Hoe, so stay tuned for photos to posterous and videos from Keehi Lagoon of her Saturday morning regattas.
Lilinoe keeps it together for the four of us – she does it all! She continues to be an involved Mommy in Chelsea and Jayden’s lives, the co-founder of Pono Media, a member of the Alltop team, team parent of my youth basketball team, and more. This year she’s set a goal of becoming more involved in photography and I see a Nikon D90 in her near future.
In 2009 I will continue to work relentlessly on Alltop. Currently, there are more than 25,000 feeds in over 400 alltopics from A to Z. There are 486 accounts subscribed to the Alltop Twitterfeed and at last count approximately 800 people receiving the Alltop Newsletter. Page views are in the 200K range and over a million Alltop badges have been served. And, Alltop is not even a year old!
The research that I’ve done for Alltop has unleashed the information fiend within. I am not complaining, more facts, however random are better than an empty mind. I have been able to capitalize on this knowledge in not only the development of the variety of alltopics, but in becoming a richer resource to others. Look for MyAlltop in March 2009!
The official launch of the Pono Media website continued to be pushed back until the 1st quarter of ‘09 because there’s just not enough time in one day! Mark my words, there will be no more delays.
I will be traveling to Texas for SXSW followed by a family trip to the happiest place on earth in the Spring and then our annual visit to Maui in the summer. I have also planned to travel to Chicago for SOBCon09 and Las Vegas for the newly combined Blog World and New Media Expo. And, I would especially like to attend one of Chris Brogan’s New Marketing Labs boot camps. Our travel plans will conclude with an end of the year trip to London.
Personally, I need to once and for all tackle my health. I was very close to being successful, but quickly slipped into my old unhealthy habits. As I near my mid-40’s, my health must be my first priority otherwise nothing else will matter. We’ve recommitted ourselves to the Honolulu Club and to our health. And, I’ll be bringing my Mom along with us too.
There’s so much to be grateful for as 2008 ends, and so much to look forward too in 2009. Everyone is invited to come along our journey as I’ll share all that is good From the Mind of NEENZ.
Often times I’m guilty of working too often, it’s part of my personality. If there were an ‘extreme working’ sport, I’d be quite competitive. Rewind decades and you would have found me on the other end of the spectrum, ‘extreme hanging out at the beach.’ But things change, people grow and the biggest change for me came in the hearts of Chelsea and Jayden. Yes, kids — the unconditional love for children will change you, and I am grateful everyday to have them.
Last night, I took a break from ‘extreme working’ — left the laptop home (but not the iPhone), and Lilinoe and I took the kids to see Cirque du Soleil’s Saltimbanco. We had watched the commercials for weeks and I had even tagged it in Upcoming, but it was the generosity of Nathan Kam and MJ Wagner that closed the deal.
For starters, we had awesome seats — upstairs, just above the lodges with a view of the entire stage. Now, if you want the opportunity to be a part of the show (yes, there’s a lot of audience participation) then get your seats near the stage, but for us our seats were perfect.
I’m not going to give away any of the show’s highlights, my blog post is not a movie spoiler trailer. But, I strongly suggest that you put down your adult inhibitions and allow the cast of Saltimbanco to take you into their dreamlike world as they fly, defy and mesmerize you with their acrobatic talents. Just to see the excitement on Jayden and Chelsea’s face, and watching Lilinoe as she held her breath during one of the most exhiliarting scenes that even Nathan admits to almost having a heart attack warmed my soul.
For my readers who live in Hawaii, if you haven’t seen it yet I strongly recommend it. If you’re working with a budget (and who isn’t these days), you’re in luck Nathan, MJ and their teams have just announced a discount on tickets.
Saltimbanco allowed for some quality family time, and as you can see from the photo above it helped Jayden find his inner acrobat!
One thing that I think Hawai’i is unique for is its campaigning style. No, not the coffee hours or beef stew dinners, but the campaign sign waving. Volunteers lined up on sidewalks of prime intersections exuberantly waving and flashing shaka’s to drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, bus riders and passengers.
Election season and campaigning were a huge part of my childhood. I first tagged along with my Papa into a voting booth when I was about five years old, and would beg to stay up late to watch the election results. I grew up near the McCully bridge and my sisters, brother and cousins would volunteer to hold campaign signs and wave for any politician — we were raised to make our own decisions with respect to candidates, so as children we found more joy in flashing a shaka than mudslinging. In fact, we even participated in sign waving during a vacation on Kauai to offer our support and well we considered it fun!
Those were good memories and am proud to have introduced the tradition to Chelsea (Jayden and Maiyah were home with Tutu, it’s not that they’re too young to enjoy the experience, but they’re too quick to be darting about on a busy sidewalk.
There were more than 50 supporters in the intersection of Moanalua Road and Kaonohi Street for nearly an hour waving and shaka-ing in exchange for honking horns and shaka-right-back-at-ya’s on behalf of Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann. My father, a proud Papa let Mayor Mufi know that Chelsea was the newly elected Vice President of the Student Council.
If you’ve ever participated you know that it takes endurance to keep a sincere smile and energetic waving despite being the in the hot sun. I have an appreciation for anyone participating in sign waving, even if we disagree with issues you’ll receive a big shaka from me!
In the first week of the new school year, Chelsea came home and shared that she was running for Hope Po’okumu for the Ahaopio or Vice President of the Student Council. Both Lilinoe and I were very proud of her initiative and courage, regardless of the outcome of the vote she had already reinforced our respect for her growth.
I like to identify myself as an ‘inquisitive parent’ and so I began asking Chelsea her motives for taking on a challenge that would require a lot of commitment. She said that when her Kumu or teacher explained the position requirements, she immediately identified with each one. She said,”It’s what I learn at home, so I know I can do it at school.” We teach respect, responsibility, initiative, and most importantly being a good person. Both Lilinoe and I were impressed with her answer, either we’re doing a good job or we’re raising a helluva politician!
Chelsea adopted the tiare flower as her logo and created campaign signs that her peers could easily relate too. One was a Mahea-kea’s in the same font and style as the hugely popular local surf brand Ainokea and another was her appeal to all milk drinkers, Got Mahea? In addition to her signs, she and Lilinoe packaged M&M’s with a personalized message requesting for votes and pens adorned with tiare.
She campaigned for the required week, and was faced with harsh reality when voting was rescheduled due to the lack of preparation of the other candidates. Fair? Of course not, but this is middle school and their first attempt and organizing a council.
Last week Thursday, as soon as the school bell rang signaling the end of the day Chelsea called Lilinoe with exciting news. Chelsea, known as Mahea in her kula kaiaupuni or school, is the very first Vice President of the Student Council. Her initiative and first step towards responsibility could only be celebrated one way – cake and ice cream at Papa and Tutu’s home!
The other day I was listening to Jennifer Hudson’s “Love You I Do” from the Dreamgirls’ soundtrack. Not just the beat, but the way she belts out the song motivates me when I need a boost. For some reason that day I remembered that Guy Kawasaki’s birthday was coming up, and I had this ambitious idea of lip syncing the song as a video birthday card.
As I discussed my idea with Lilinoe, what began as an enthusiastic conversation ironically turned into a scene from a Jackie Chan movie, “Do you hear the words that are coming from my mouth?” I still wanted to produce the project, and I did.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the singing of Anpan and Nemu of nemu nemu webcomic; the sassy but classy moves of new media marketing specialist Erica O’Grady, the sultry Laura Fitton founder of Pistachio Consulting lets the wind flow through her hair, Jenny The Bloggess shares the spotlight with her daughter (my future daughter-in-law) and their cat, Christine Lu takes a moment to wish Guy a happy birthday while in Thailand; and my crew Chelsea, Jayden and Maiyah sing the Faleafine traditional birthday song.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GUY KAWASAKI!
From the Mind of NEENZ
